Valid questions about C.J. Stroud make Panthers look brilliant in retrospect

There was much second guessing when the second pick in the 2023 draft showed better as a rookie than the top overall selection. Is it time for third guessing?

Aug 16, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) and Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) greet on the field after the game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Back in 2023, the Carolina Panthers made a huge deal to move up to the top spot in the NFL draft. The choice was 2021 Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young. He suffered through a rough rookie campaign, and then was benched by new head coach Dave Canales after two games in 2024.

After Young went number one, there was another young signal-caller taken at No. 2. “Not that long ago,” explained Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report, “Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud appeared destined to become one of the NFL's top young signal-callers. The 24-year-old threw for over 4,100 yards with 23 touchdown passes and just five interceptions on the way to capturing Offensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2023. He has led the Texans to the postseason in all three of his professional seasons and won a playoff game in all three as well.”

“After a woeful performance against the New England Patriots Sunday,” added Davenport, “the Texans have still never advanced past the Divisional Round. Much of their success in 2025 was as much in spite of Stroud as because of him. And with the Ohio State product eligible for a major extension in 2026, Houston's offseason begins with a huge question looming over the franchise.”

Jan 18, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) is sacked in the second quarter against the New England Patriots in an AFC Divisional Round game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images | Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

It’s safe to say that the 2025 postseason has been personally disastrous for the third-year pro. The Texans won at Pittsburgh last week, then lost at New England on Sunday. In the playoff split, Stroud connected on only 51.9 percent of his throws (41-of-79) for 462 yards, two scores and five interceptions. He was sacked six times, and lost two of his five fumbles.

On the other hand, Young has show steady growth, and his ability to win games late was a big factor in Carolina winning the NFC South (albeit with an 8-9 record) for the first time since 2015. Are these two young quarterbacks headed in opposite directions? It’s makes for a very interesting debate.

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